Would love any input on growing my children in Christ

Amanda - posted on 11/14/2008

Hello! I see you have received some good advice already and just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you in your difficult situation. But don't give up, My God is a God of miracles!! Love and Prayers!!!

Juli - posted on 11/14/2008

I'm praying for you Charlene.

When I married him, my husband was not an unbeliever, but was a christian of belief and not of practice. And I was from a very religious family- we did not skip church- even on vacation :) lol

I can't tell you how many times I cried out to God. I am not a quiet person. I Cried Out! God knows what the neighbors thought! lol

I thought that making him go to church was the answer. not!

I wanted to go 4 out of 5 Sundays, he wanted to go 1 out of 5 Sundays. so I went without him. He came to the big events- baptism of our daughter, even though he didn't see the point of it. I cried out to God and prayed all the time, but learned to let go of trying to"make" him be Christian.

It was only when I gave up on that, that God moved his heart, over time.

God did this, I'm sure, so that I wouldn't think my own silly efforts had anything to do with it. It's always God.

My husband was baptised with our son in '93.

And he continued to grow in his faith, and as the icing on the cake, we began to finally have the marriage I had hoped for.

The first year we were married I had a framed print that said "Bless This Marriage, Lord" and sometimes when I cried, through the tears it looked like it said "Bless this Mirage, Lord." I chuckle now, but at the time I felt it ironic because it seemed the marriage I had hoped for had disappeared like a mirage in the desert!

But God is faithful and he is so good. I never envisioned the depth of happiness, unconditional love, and comfort that God's blessing of marriage has come to be.



I thought that was the end of it, but God led him to finish his bachelor's degree at Liberty University and now he is a youth pastor, working on his masters.

The best part?

God's not done with him yet! Or me! And we're excited to see where He calls us next.



You sound much more mature (and less angry!) than I was, and the other ladies gave you super advice, with books & scripture. As you model God's love for your husband, and keep yourself involved in a Bible teaching church, as Amanda suggested, and live your faith, you will be the best testimony to him.

God bless you, Charlene, and I will keep you in my prayers.

Keely - posted on 11/14/2008

Get a Bible story book (the best is by Golden Book Press, has wonderful pictures and teh Bible from Genesis to Revelation. You can find it online.) And start a routine at bedtime! Read a story from the Bible and pray together! Also there is AWAN's. Usually Evangelical churches have them and kids from about preschool on can go! Its a program where the kids memorize bible verses and are awarded with awana bucks for little prizes in the awana store. I did it as a kid and it was so much fun! They play games and tell bible stories and they get to interact with other kids. ALso parents are welcome and asked to be invovled!

Jennifer - posted on 11/13/2008

There is a book that I read by Lee Strobel called, Surving a spiritually mismatched marriage. It is a very good read. Just remember what scripture says in 1Peter 3. not by words but by your behavior. I struggle at home, too. I'm allowed to take the children to church and pray at dinner. Sometimes, I read them bible stories and I pray for them before they go to bed. The other night I heard on Family Life Christian radio station a recipe kit, i think it's called Just Add family. You can pull out a recipe card and it has activities you can do with your children. I plan on getting this. I want my children to know God and have a relationship with him, too. Finding ways to teach them God's word and making it fun, really helps. I hope this helps you.

Melissa - posted on 11/13/2008

I have just started this bible study on wives submitting to their husbands. The books is titled "Me? Obey Him? by Elizabeth Rice Handford. I have only read the first 50 pages or so, but this one verse has been mentioned several times and when I read your post, that verse was the first thing I thought of. Here is what it says from the book: 1st Peter 3:1: "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (behavior) of the wives." In other words, you may win your husband to Christ by your meek and quiet spirit, by your loving behavior. You keep praying for your family and your husband to come to know Christ as you do. I will do the same for you. We wives are the heart of the family, and the husband is the head. I will pray that your husband will submit to Christ Jesus. You are doing the right thing by trying to respect your husband's views.

Floris - posted on 11/13/2008

You know it is a tough spot , but God knows your heart. Start by just living out your love for God by showing your husband your unconditional love for him, if you are going to a church - then at least your kids are getting fed there - if not, you need to find one with a great children's ministry and get involved - that way when there are children's events, he will attend. The bible says that a wise woman builds her house - ask God for alot of wisdom and discernment on how to react to the clashes of values and your relationship with God and get your kids involved in praying for their daddy. Don't preach to him, just love God and He will give you wisdom and He will draw your husband toward him. I don't know if you are into fasting, or have studied about this practice - it is a good strategy when bringing tough petitions before God - read the book of Esther and that will help you understand - on the fast - take it easy - one meal, fast soda, coffee, something you love - dessert, tv - or fast lunch for three days - or a juice fast - replacing a meal with juice - and set time aside to bring the matter before the lord in your fasting, read the word and I believe you will see God's hand move for your husband.

blessings to you

Amanda - posted on 11/13/2008

how old are your children? and Prayer is your #1 thing to do.... Find a church that possibly has a children's church so that you can go and hear what you need while they get fed something on their level... and keep praying for you husband and by you getting in church and taking ur kids he may come around and see that you are serious about what you are talking about...